Old Dominion junior Cory Moreno, Drexel freshman Anthony Musciano, West Virginia junior Alex Obendorf, and Harvard junior David Pfeifer made history in what is believed to be the largest group of out divers to ever compete at the event.

“That’s a big thing, especially for just one zone,” said Obendorf, who came out publicly in 2014. “I personally wouldn’t think there would be that many [LGBT] people here.”

Chevelter

Bryguyf69

Not really. If they allow their names and images to be used, they’re out. Some people are just camera shy or don’t like the sound of their voices, which have nothing to do with being closeted. As for the unnamed diver, he may simply not want the publicity. Or being contacted on social media, both good and bad. That would certainly be the case with me. It does not, however, mean that he’s not out to his community and in his daily interactions.

March 16, 2017 at 4:03pm

MikeE

and they are not “LGBT” divers, unless the unnamed one is a lesbian, bi, or trans.
they are a bunch of gay divers.

Bryguyf69

No one is “LGBT.” Generally, you’re either L,G or B, with the possible addition of T. As such, “LGBT” is simply an umbrella term, meaning you fit into one of the categories. It’s not precise, but it’s accurate.

March 16, 2017 at 4:03pm

PRINCE OF SNARKNESS aka DIVKID

To be fair those brows are somewhat undecided or possibly in a category of their own

March 16, 2017 at 4:03pm

RiBrad

Yeah, it’s not a big deal, but I find this weird too. The narrator says: “Five divers identify as LGBT…. All five divers, who identify as gay….” So why bother mentioning the L, B, and T to begin with? Identity labels are so bizarre when you think about it.

March 16, 2017 at 5:03pm

mhoffman953

I thought it is now LGBTQAI+, so if we call them “LGBT” divers, shouldn’t they be “LGBTQAI+” divers?

March 16, 2017 at 10:03pm

BitterOldQueen

Absolutely perfect, MikeE! That’s the thing that really annoyed me about this article: NO ONE comes out as “LGBTQ”. I can just see it: “Mom, Dad, I’m…lesbian gay bisexual transgender and either queer or questioning depending on who you ask. I’m a very confused young homosexual male.” But, oh, we have to be so all-inclusive all the time, lest someone’s tender feelings get hurt when somebody gets attention who’s not them. Argh, our poor community, blowing itself up in a spasm of self-righteous indignation–at itself. Thank you.

March 17, 2017 at 11:03am

Bryguyf69

This is great but not unexpected. Diving is mostly an individual sport (with the exception of synchro). Team unity is then a non-issue so one doesn’t need acceptance. And locker room paranoia is less of an issue since these guys are near-naked constantly. Being in the shower is really not much different from being in the pool. Finally, divers don’t really have a lot of commercial potential. So there’s little worry about losing sponsorship or homophobic boycotts. That said, being out is still admirable, and I have no doubt that this has helped some gay kid be himself. (*nudge* *nudge* Kristian Ipsen)http://c8.alamy.com/comp/CPWN8H/american-diver-kristian-ipsen-at-the-team-usa-media-summit-in-dallas-CPWN8H.jpg

jjose712

It’s a sport were the best of all time is gay and the most known current star is gay too, which probably encourage others to come out of the closet because being gay is not a hurdle to succeed in diving